British charity Gambling with Lives has proposed a new care and treatment pathway to help those suffering from gambling-related harm.

With the aim of providing a support system and treatment for people with gambling disorders and families affected by gambling, the scheme is planned to bring people harmed by gambling and health experts together. 

Gambling with Lives plans to collaborate with the National Health Service (NHS) in Great Britain and add to the existing support systems and treatment.

The charity intends to work on raising the standard of gambling treatment and care system nationally, as well as extending a model for making gambling harms treatment a part of NHS integrated care systems.

The charity intends to work on raising the standard of gambling treatment and care system nationally, as well as extending a model for making gambling harms treatment a part of NHS integrated care systems.

Gambling with Lives co-founder Liz Ritchie said: “It is essential that people harmed by gambling are at the forefront of designing care and treatment for gambling disorder. We know how few people access treatment, how few feel helped, and this design for a care and treatment pathway aims to redress this.”

As explained by Gambling with Lives, the new scheme was developed based on a series of focus groups with those who had live experience of gambling problems. Additionally, there have also been workshops organised with input from gambling operators, clinicians, various support services, expert by experience groups focused on shaping up the new system.

Gambling with Lives has very clearly communicated that their key aim is to allow more people to access help and treatment. As early identification of problem gambling is crucial, the charity is also keen on ensuring people get the help and support they need before it’s too late, as well as to prevent suicides linked to gambling problems.

Gambling with Lives has very clearly communicated that their key aim is to allow more people to access help and treatment.

The scheme proposed by Gambling with Lives is looking to be embedded within existing health, care and public service provision, with frontline professionals educated to refer people to the scheme if necessary. All treatments will come up with a follow-up evaluation and further support and treatment if needed.